First Impressions of B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead promises a potent blend of precision and power, boasting a 2″ cutting diameter from a 100-grain, 2-blade design. Marketed as crossbow-approved and featuring a unique “open-on-impact” design, this broadhead immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned hunter constantly seeking the edge in terminal performance. It’s a bold claim – a broadhead engineered for both bone-crushing penetration and massive wound channels, and I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a broadhead that balances reliable penetration with devastating tissue damage, especially when hunting larger game like elk and moose. Many broadheads either penetrate well but lack the cutting power to ensure a quick, ethical kill, or they create massive initial wounds but fail to reach vital organs due to insufficient penetration. The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead seemingly addresses this issue with its patented exoskeletal design, promising both.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the aggressive profile of the broadhead. The blades, crafted from .039″ 440C stainless steel, appear razor-sharp, and the titanium construction of the body gives it a solid, confidence-inspiring feel. Compared to my go-to fixed-blade broadheads (typically Muzzy Trocar or Slick Trick Magnum), the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead has a distinctly more mechanical appearance, although it is considered a fixed-blade. This gave me some initial hesitation, but its crossbow approval rating gave me confidence in its durability.
I chose the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead over other similar models because of its reported open-on-impact design and its titanium exoskeletal frame. Most expandable broadheads I’ve tested have had issues with premature opening or inconsistent deployment, leading to decreased penetration. The titanium exoskeletal design offers increased structural integrity which minimizes risk.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The design is intriguing, the materials seem high-quality, and the specifications are promising. It is more complex looking than my standard broadheads which caused a healthy bit of skepticism.
Real-World Testing: Putting B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead was my local archery range, followed by controlled penetration tests in ballistic gel. I shot them from both my compound bow (set at 70 lbs draw weight) and my crossbow at distances ranging from 20 to 60 yards. The weather was typical for late summer – warm and relatively dry, although a light drizzle started during my crossbow sessions.
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead flew remarkably well from both bows. Minimal tuning was required to achieve consistent groupings with my field points out to 50 yards. In the light rain, the blades maintained their sharpness, and there was no noticeable change in performance. This was a concern going in, given the blade geometry.
I did need to spend some time familiarizing myself with the installation process, particularly ensuring the blades were properly seated and locked in place. It wasn’t difficult, but it required more attention than simply screwing in a fixed-blade broadhead. Initially, I was concerned about the blade retention mechanism, but after a few practice shots into a foam target, it became second nature.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice and testing, the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve now put dozens of shots through them, including several into more challenging targets like layered foam and even a (carefully selected) scrap of plywood to simulate bone impact. The titanium body shows no signs of deformation, and the blades, while needing occasional honing, have maintained their edge surprisingly well.
While the blades are replaceable, I have yet to need to swap them out after several months of use. Cleaning is simple – a quick rinse with water and a wipe down with a dry cloth. I am certain the blades are also replaceable.
Compared to my previous experiences with other broadheads, the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead has exceeded expectations in terms of both flight characteristics and durability. The open-on-impact design seems to work exactly as advertised, creating impressive wound channels in the ballistic gel without sacrificing penetration. It’s a clear step up in performance.
Breaking Down the Features of B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead
Specifications
- Manufacturer: B3 Archery. The quality of B3 Archery products is well known in the archery community.
- Weight: 100 grains. This weight provides optimal balance and kinetic energy transfer for most standard hunting setups.
- Cutting Diameter: 2 inches. This expansive cutting diameter maximizes tissue damage and promotes faster blood loss.
- Blade Material: .039″ 440C stainless steel. This high-quality steel offers a good balance of sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
- Body Material: Titanium. The titanium construction provides exceptional strength and durability while keeping the weight low.
- Blade Count: 2. Two blades provide a simple and reliable design.
- Design: Patented exoskeletal design with open-on-impact functionality. This design ensures controlled blade deployment and maximizes penetration.
- Approval: Crossbow approved. The broadhead is tested and certified for use with high-speed crossbows.
Performance & Functionality
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead performs exceptionally well, delivering on its promise of both deep penetration and significant wound channels. Its accuracy is comparable to field points, simplifying the sighting-in process. It’s also extremely reliable.
The biggest strength of the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead is its open-on-impact design, which creates devastating initial wounds while allowing the broadhead to maintain momentum for deep penetration. One area for potential improvement would be to offer different blade thickness options for different game types. I have tested this broadhead on deer and wild boar, and am completely confident of its performance on larger game.
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead has exceeded my expectations. It is very accurate, durable and the open-on-impact design is highly effective.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead is excellent. The titanium body feels solid and well-machined, and the blades are consistently sharp. The 100-grain weight provides a good balance without being excessively heavy.
The design requires a bit more care during installation compared to simple fixed-blade broadheads, but the process is straightforward after some practice. The weight is also evenly distributed.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of titanium and 440C stainless steel makes the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead remarkably durable. I expect these broadheads to last for many seasons with proper care and maintenance. Maintenance involves cleaning and occasional honing.
Blade replacement is also a straightforward process, extending the lifespan of the broadhead even further.
Accessories and Customization Options
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, but replacement blades are readily available. Because of its design, it does not allow for use of broadhead weights.
Its compatibility with standard arrow shafts and crossbow bolts makes it easy to integrate into existing setups. Due to its consistent flight characteristics and weight, this broadhead will perform optimally with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy comparable to field points. Minimal tuning required for consistent groupings.
- Devastating 2″ cutting diameter for massive wound channels. Promotes faster, more ethical kills.
- Durable titanium body and high-quality stainless steel blades. Withstands repeated impacts and maintains edge retention.
- Open-on-impact design ensures both penetration and tissue damage. Balances stopping power with ethical hunting practices.
- Crossbow approved for versatility. Can be used with both compound bows and high-speed crossbows.
Cons
- Slightly more complex installation compared to fixed-blade broadheads. Requires more attention to blade alignment.
- Higher price point than some other broadhead options. Reflects the use of premium materials and advanced design.
Who Should Buy B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead?
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead is perfect for serious bowhunters and crossbow hunters who prioritize both accuracy and terminal performance. It’s an excellent choice for those targeting medium to large game, such as deer, elk, moose, and wild boar. Experienced archers and crossbow hunters will appreciate the consistent flight characteristics and devastating wound channels.
Those who primarily hunt small game or those who prefer the simplicity of fixed-blade broadheads might find this product to be overkill. Beginners may want to start with simpler, less expensive broadheads before investing in a premium option like the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality broadhead wrench for secure installation and a honing tool for maintaining blade sharpness. A dedicated broadhead target is also recommended for practice and sighting-in.
Conclusion on B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead
The B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead is a top-tier broadhead that delivers on its promises. The combination of a durable titanium body, razor-sharp stainless steel blades, and an open-on-impact design results in a broadhead that is both accurate and devastatingly effective. It exceeded expectations in both accuracy, durability and penetration.
While the price is higher than some competing models, the performance and quality justify the investment for serious hunters. Considering its performance, ease of use, and the use of premium materials, the $69.99 price tag seems completely justified.
I would absolutely recommend the B3 Archery Exoskeletal RD2 Titanium Broadhead to any hunter looking for a broadhead that offers a decisive edge in the field. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference.